This is a significant drop in grade for The Secret Pearl, after last month's commendable sixth in a valuable Newbury handicap, but her hurdling record is not entirely convincing and she is opposed with JUST HER TYPE, who ran well for a long way before fading into fifth at Wetherby on her latest outing and may benefit from today's drop in trip.[Chris Wilson]
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Went very close on hurdling debut at Ayr (2m4f, soft) in January and put a lesser effort behind her when very respectable fifth at Wetherby (2m3f, good) last month, only fading out of contention on the run-in; raced a bit too freely last time so this drop in trip could be a good move in the short term; wears first-time tongue-tie; features prominently in calculations.
Dual bumper winner (once here) for Rae Guest in summer 2023 but her subsequent Flat form for Max Young has been very disappointing and she was tailed off over C&D (good) when tried over hurdles in September.
Fairly useful on the Flat at up to 2m for Harry Eustace but made rather disappointing stable/hurdle debut when well-held fifth at Doncaster (2m, good) last month and will need to take a good step forward here.
Quite promising fourth of 16 in soft-ground Warwick bumper in November 2023 but returned from long absence with two down-the-field bumper runs this year and has a lot to prove on this hurdling debut.
Pulled up on heavy ground two starts ago (breathing issue reported) but bounced back with creditable sixth of 15 in Grade 2 novices' handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good) last month; should be okay back at 2m; big player.
Showed significant ability (albeit without winning) on the Flat in France but posed no threat on stable/hurdle debut at Ludlow (2m, good) in October; had two wind operations during subsequent six-month break and returns with tongue-tie fitted; others look much safer.
Not beaten far in three junior hurdles, most recently when third of seven at Wetherby (2m, soft) in February, and has possibilities if suited by the faster ground here.
Won three-runner Flat maiden (7f, soft; RPR 72) for Peter Chapple-Hyam in October 2023 but, after a long absence, it's questionable what she achieved when second in small-field novice hurdle at Catterick (1m7f, good; 1-16 favourite fell) for new stable last month.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
